administration tells contractors they don't need to send out layoff notices days before the election, and if they get sued for ignoring the law the government will pay their expenses and lockheed martin says it will honor the request and hold off telling its worker but in a letter republican senators graham and john mccain warn 15 major defense contractors, writing, quote, it is our fear, should you rely on the guidance and fail to comply with the warren act requirements, you will be setting your company up for serious legal and financial repercussions, and, graham calls the situation disturbing. >> not only did it cut the warn act, it says a president, a president of the united states -- a precedent the executive branch of government, through the president's actions, can set aside existing statutes. >> reporter: administration officials insist their guidance is legal. and, consistent with all federal contracting laws, and, regulations. rick? >> rick: mike emanuel in washington, thanks. >> arthel: "fox news alert" alert on the deadly meningitis outbreak, the centers for disease contr